a cat can look at a king »
Alternative form of a cat may look at a king.1982, A J Ayer,
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a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
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a golden key can open any door »
Sufficient money can accomplish anything.
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a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
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a nod is as good as a wink »
The hint, suggestion etc can be understood without further explaining.
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about turn »
An about face; a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
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abstract nonsense »
Details which involve diagram chasing.
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acid test »
A rigorous test or appraisal of the quality or worth of something.
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ahead of the game »
Having completed a task before it is due; ready, prepared, or anticipating.
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all duck or no dinner »
All or nothing.
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all one's eggs in one basket »
Devoting all of one’s resources to one thing.
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all over but the shouting »
The substance of the contest is complete, leaving only the cheering.
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all right, my lover »
An informal affectionate greeting.
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and counting »
Used to show that the number previously mentioned is continuously changing, i.e. increasing or decreasing.
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angle for farthings »
To beg out of a prison window with a cap, or box, let down at the end of a long string.
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